It's hip to be square - if you're talking dance (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

Published: Monday, March 10, 2014 at 05:53 PM.

The days of country twang playing in a barn as boots stomp the ground is no longer popularly practiced, but those with a passion for the dance hope it lasts for years to come.

“In the ’80s we had a lot of people and now, nationwide, we’ve lost 80 percent of our dancers,” said Miriam Merriwether, who calls dances for the Agape Squares group. “We’re trying to get more people interested, but we’re going at it in a new way.”

The trick, Merriwether said, is to get young people interested. To do that, she abandoned the traditions of the longtime country dance form.

“There are quite a few callers who recognize that we need to bring this thing into a more popular time, frame so it will attract more people,” said Merriwether, who has been square dancing for more than 30 years. “We’re not doing what grandpa did. We’re dancing to Lady Gaga.”

The dance is similar to what you would have seen 50 years ago, but the music is upbeat, techno and a little loud. It’s just what’s needed to attract younger people who might not see square dancing as a popular pastime.

Traditionally, four couples start off in a square and move throughout the song. When the music comes to a close, the couples once again take their stands in a square shape.

“The part we laugh at is the only time we are in the square is in the beginning and end,” Merriwether said. “The rest of the time we’re inside the square. But it’s not a structured dance, so you can just throw your cares away.”

On average, dancers will walk about 3.5 miles during an hour-long square dance. The best part — participants learn a true American tradition with each step.

“This dance is one of the few we can say originated in the United States. It’s important that we continue to keep up with it,” Merriwether said. “It’s something we can call our own, and you can start doing it as soon as you know your left from your right.”

WANT TO ATTEND?
Agape Squares dances are held every Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. for $3 at Niceville United Methodist Church at 214 S. Partin Drive.

The days of country twang playing in a barn as boots stomp the ground is no longer popularly practiced, but those with a passion for the dance hope it lasts for years to come.

“In the ’80s we had a lot of people and now, nationwide, we’ve lost 80 percent of our dancers,” said Miriam Merriwether, who calls dances for the Agape Squares group. “We’re trying to get more people interested, but we’re going at it in a new way.”

The trick, Merriwether said, is to get young people interested. To do that, she abandoned the traditions of the longtime country dance form.

“There are quite a few callers who recognize that we need to bring this thing into a more popular time, frame so it will attract more people,” said Merriwether, who has been square dancing for more than 30 years. “We’re not doing what grandpa did. We’re dancing to Lady Gaga.”

The dance is similar to what you would have seen 50 years ago, but the music is upbeat, techno and a little loud. It’s just what’s needed to attract younger people who might not see square dancing as a popular pastime.

Traditionally, four couples start off in a square and move throughout the song. When the music comes to a close, the couples once again take their stands in a square shape.

“The part we laugh at is the only time we are in the square is in the beginning and end,” Merriwether said. “The rest of the time we’re inside the square. But it’s not a structured dance, so you can just throw your cares away.”

On average, dancers will walk about 3.5 miles during an hour-long square dance. The best part — participants learn a true American tradition with each step.

“This dance is one of the few we can say originated in the United States. It’s important that we continue to keep up with it,” Merriwether said. “It’s something we can call our own, and you can start doing it as soon as you know your left from your right.”

WANT TO ATTEND?
Agape Squares dances are held every Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. for $3 at Niceville United Methodist Church at 214 S. Partin Drive.